Anybody Ever Lend An Artifact to a Museum?

[UnderMiner]

I was contacted by the executive director of the 'Society of The Cincinnati' in Washington D.C. and they want to display my cannonball from the Battle of Brooklyn in their museum for an upcoming exhibit on the American Revolution. Anyone ever lend an artifact to a museum, and if so what is the procedure? I'm sure they will tell me instructions but I'm just curious if anyone here had any experience with lending to a museum before. Thanks

 

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[Icewing]

I've donated items to museums, they just had me sign a paper. Just be sure if you lend it to them that you get a document stating that you will retain ownership and a good discription of the item, just in case.

 

[CASPER-2]

...I HAVE ITEMS "ON LOAN" ...HAVE A PAPER DRAWN UP TO STATE ITS ON LOAN AND TO BE RETURNED TO YOU IF THEY END THE EXHIBIT
CAPE COD MARITIME MUSEUM
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/members/29748-albums4493-picture1285871.html
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/members/29748-albums4493-picture1285870.html

 

[BARKER]

Hi; Yup; The other guys beat me to the answer ok. Make sure you take a LOT of pictures of it BEFORE you loan it to them. Especially any kind of markings on it. That way you sign the paper and you have photo evidence as well. Other than that it is a straight forward procedure ok. PEACE:RONB

 

[sawmill man]

I have to our local museum like others have said get it all in writing and photos.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

More and more museums are not accepting items as "on loan"
Because there has been horror stories of people marching in later on saying " give me my item back now" . Telling Museum staff to open up display cases and return stuff on the spot. Or things like if the item wasn't on display at the time, then Museum staff is sent scurrying looking for it in storage. And Heaven Help that museum if they can't find that person's object right away.

So a lot of museums now require objects to be permanently given to the museum.

 

[RustyGold]

It might be a good idea to weigh it on video.

 

[callicles]

There is a difference between donate and loan. Just remember that. I would do it under an agreement saying "loan for use agreement." Specify the length of time. Museums change board members often and elect presidents often too. Have it in writing, and in said agreement, have it written that agreement cannot be excecutef until, and on the condition that the contract as signed and agreed to is entered into their minutes at their next meeting, with a copy of the minutes and agreement to you.

 

[Honest Samuel]

Yes, make it in writing it is a loan, and the date that it will be return to you and who is paying the expenses on the loaning and returning the items. You should have your picture beside your item there. Have a big smile.